Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup

This Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that requires just a few minutes of prep. Let the slow cooker do all the work while the beans, ham, and spices cook together to create a deliciously hearty soup. Perfect for busy days, this recipe is full of flavor, protein, and fiber, and it’s ready to serve in just a few hours!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 package HamBeens® 15 BEAN SOUP® with seasoning packet
• 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or stock
• 1 meaty ham bone (or ham hocks), diced ham, or 1 lb. cooked sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 15 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Hot sauce or red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse the beans, sort out any debris, and set the seasoning packet aside.
2. In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine beans, broth, ham bone (or ham hocks), onion, garlic, and chili powder.
3. Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 7-8 hours until the beans are tender.
4. Once beans are soft, remove the ham bone, chop any leftover meat, and add it back to the soup.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes, the ham seasoning packet, and lemon juice.
6. Cook for an additional 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Add acidic ingredients (like tomatoes and lemon) only after the beans are tender.
• For a thinner soup, add an extra cup of broth or water. For a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the beans and stir it back in.
• Use a leftover ham bone or ask at the deli counter for inexpensive ham bones or hocks. You can also use chopped ham or cooked sausage.
• No soaking required for the beans when using a slow cooker.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 259
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 14mg
• Sodium: 387mg
• Potassium: 960mg
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 95 IU
• Vitamin C: 12mg
• Calcium: 77mg
• Iron: 3.4mg